Closure device

ABSTRACT

The closure device ( 121 ) includes interlocking fastening strips ( 130, 131 ) and a slider ( 132 ) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips when moved towards first and second ends thereof. Flexible shoulders ( 230, 232 ) and legs ( 234, 236 ) are disposed on the slider ( 132 ) for facilitating the attachment of the slider onto the fastening strips ( 130, 131 ) in the vertical Z axis ( 106 ). The flexible shoulders ( 230, 232 ) and legs ( 234, 236 ) further provide resistance against the removal of the slider ( 132 ) from the fastening strips ( 130, 131 ) in the vertical Z axis ( 106 ) thereafter.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to closure devices and, moreparticularly, to a slider for closure devices with interlockingfastening strips. The inventive slider may be employed in traditionalfastener areas, and is particularly well suited for fastening flexiblestorage containers, including plastic bags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of closure devices for fastening storage containers, includingplastic bags, is generally well known. Furthermore, the manufacture ofclosure devices made of plastic materials is generally known to thoseskilled in the art, as demonstrated by the numerous patents in thisarea.

A particularly well-known use for closure devices is in connection withflexible storage containers, such as plastic bags. In some instances,the closure device and the associated container are formed fromthermoplastic materials, and the closure device and the side walls ofthe container are integrally formed by extrusion as a single piece.Alternatively, the closure device and side walls of the container may beformed as separate pieces and then connected by heat sealing or anyother suitable connecting process. In either event, such closure devicesare particularly useful An providing a closure means for retainingmatter within the bag.

Conventional closure devices typically utilize mating male and femalefastening strips or closure elements which are used to selectively sealthe bag. With such closure devices, however, it is often difficult todetermine whether the fastening strips are fully occluded. This problemis particularly acute when the strips are relatively narrow.Accordingly, when such fastening strips are employed, there exists areasonable likelihood that the closure device is at least partiallyopen.

Such fastening strips devices are also particularly difficult to handleby individuals with limited manual dexterity. Thus, in order to assistthese individuals and for ease of use by individuals with normaldexterity, the prior art has also provided sliders for use in openingand closing the fastening strips, as disclosed, for example, in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,199,845, 5,007,142, 5,007,143, 5,010,627, 5,020,194,5,070,583, 5,283,932, 5,301,394, 5,426,830, 5,431,760, 5,442,838, and5,448,808. Some of these sliders include a separator finger whichextends at least partially between the fastening strips. When the slideris moved in the appropriate direction, the separator finger divides thefastening strips and opens the bag.

During assembly of closure devices utilizing sliders, the sliders areoften mounted onto fastening strips by moving the slider over thefastening strips in the vertical axis. Specifically, if the longitudinalaxis of the fastening strips and slider is the X axis, the width is thetransverse Y axis and the height is the vertical Z axis, the slider isattached to the fastening strips by moving the slider over the fasteningstrips in the vertical Z axis. In the past, sliders attached in thevertical Z axis have utilized either a multi-part or folding design. Ineither case the slider must be properly positioned along the fasteningstrip while the slider components are either snapped or ultrasonicallywelded together. These procedures increase the manufacturing costs.Examples of sliders with multiple parts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,007,142 and 5,283,932 and folding plastic sliders in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,067,208, 5,070,583, and 5,448,808. The prior art has failed to afforda slider that is attached to the fastening strips in the vertical Z axisthrough a single step process. It would be desirable to have a sliderthat may be attached to the fastening strips in the vertical Z axis bymerely urging the slider over the fastening strips. Such a device wouldreduce the manufacturing costs of closure devices utilizing sliders inaddition to providing an effective and reliable means of attachingsliders to the fastening strips.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a general object of the present invention is to provide aslider which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a onepiece slider that may be attached to the fastening strips in thevertical Z axis by merely urging the slider over the fastening strips.

A related object of the present invention is to provide a slider thatonce attached prevents itself from being removed from the fasteningstrips thereafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a slider for closure devices is provided which accomplishesthese and other objects and overcomes the above-identified drawbacks ofthe prior art. The inventive slider is intended for use with a storagecontainer which includes a pair of complementary sheets or opposingflexible side walls, such as a plastic bag. The closure device includesinterlocking fastening strips disposed along respective edge portions ofthe opposing side walls, and a slider slidably disposed on theinterlocking fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion anddeocclusion of the fastening strips when moved towards first and secondends thereof. In accordance with the present invention, flexibleshoulders and legs are disposed on the slider for facilitating theattachment of the slider onto the fastening strips in the vertical Zaxis. The flexible shoulders and legs further provide resistance againstthe removal of the slider from the fastening strips in the vertical Zaxis thereafter.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent upon reading the followingdetailed description of exemplified embodiments and upon reference tothe accompanying drawings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the presentinvention in the form of a plastic bag;

FIG. 2 is a partial top view of the container in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 3—3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the slider in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the slider in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the slider in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of another embodiment of the slider;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7—7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8—8 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the slider and cross-sectional view of thefastening strips and illustrates their respective positions to oneanother as the slider is positioned onto the fastening strips;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the slider and cross-sectional view of thefastening strips and illustrates their respective positions to oneanother as the slider is positioned onto the fastening strips;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the slider and cross-sectional view of thefastening strips and illustrates their respective positions to oneanother as the slider is positioned onto the fastening strips;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the slider and cross-sectional view of thefastening strips and illustrates their respective positions to oneanother as the slider is positioned onto the fastening strips;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the slider and cross-sectional view of thefastening strips and illustrates their respective positions to oneanother as the slider is positioned onto the fastening strips;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the slider similar to FIG. 5 and illustratesthe properties of the slider design;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider;

FIG. 17 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider;

FIG. 18 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider;

FIG. 20 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider and across-sectional view of the fastening strips;

FIG. 21 is a front view of another embodiment of the slider and across-sectional view of the fastening strips;

FIG. 21A is a front view of another embodiment of the slider and across-sectional view of the fastening strips;

FIG. 22 is a front view of another embodiment of the slider;

FIG. 23 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider and across-sectional view of another embodiment of the fastening strips,

FIG. 24 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider and across-sectional view of another embodiment of the fastening strips; and

FIG. 25 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider and across-sectional view of another embodiment of the fastening strips.

While the present invention will be described and disclosed inconnection with certain embodiments and procedures, the intent is not tolimit the present invention to these embodiments and.procedures. On thecontrary, the intent is to cover all such alternatives, modifications,and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides an interlocking closure device with aslider which establishes a leak proof seal. Turning now to the drawings,FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a container in the form of a plastic bag 120having a sealable closure device 121. The bag 120 includes side walls122, 123 joined at seams 124, 125 to form a compartment sealable bymeans of the closure device 121. The closure device comprises first andsecond fastening strips 130, 131 and a slider 132.

The fastening strips 130, 131 and slider 132 have a longitudinal X axis102 and a transverse Y axis 104 which is perpendicular to thelongitudinal X axis 102. The fastening strips have a vertical Z axis 106which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X axis 102 and which isperpendicular to the transverse Y axis 104.

In use, the slider 132 of the present invention facilitates theocclusion and deocclusion of the interlocking fastening strips 130, 131when moved in the appropriate direction along the longitudinal X axis102 of the strips 130,131. In particular, the slider 132 facilitates theocclusion of the interlocking fastening strips 130, 131 when movedtowards a first end 110 thereof, and facilitates the deocclusion of theinterlocking fastening strips 130, 131 when moved towards a second end112 thereof. When the slider 132 is moved in an occlusion direction, asindicated by reference numeral 114 in FIGS. 1 and 2, closure of thefastening strips 130, 131 occurs. Conversely, when the slider 132 ismoved in a deocclusion direction, as indicated by reference numeral 116,separation of the fastening strips 130, 131 occurs.

In keeping with a general aspect of the present invention and as will bedescribed in greater detail below, the interlocking fastening strips130, 131 of the present invention may be of virtually any type or formincluding, for example: (1) U-channel fastening strips as shown hereinat FIG. 3; (2) shear action or Z-axis fastening strips, and as shownherein at FIG. 23; (3) arrowhead-type fastening strips, as disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,007,142 and 5,020,194, and as shown herein at FIG. 24;(4) rolling action fastening strips, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,007,143, and as shown herein at FIG. 25; and/or (5) Pentabar fasteningstrips as disclosed in U.S. Pat. 4,516,268. All of the above-identifiedpatents and applications are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

An illustrative example of the type of closure device that may be usedwith the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. U-channel fasteningstrips include a first fastening strip 130 with a first closure element136 and a second fastening strip 131 with a second closure element 134.The first closure element 136 engages the second closure element 134.The first fastening strip 130 may include a pair of wings 137spaced-apart on the first fastening strip on each side of the firstclosure element 136.

The second closure element 134 includes a base portion 138 having a pairof spaced-apart parallely disposed webs 140, 141 extending from the baseportion 138. The webs 140, 141 include hook closure portions 142, 144extending from the webs 140, 141 respectively, and facing towards eachother. The hook closure portions 142, 144 include guide surfaces 146,147 which serve to guide the hook closure portions 142, 144 foroccluding with the hook closure portions 152, 154 of the first closureelement 136.

The first closure element 136 includes a base portion 148 including apair of spaced-apart, parallely disposed webs 150, 151 extending fromthe base portion 148. The webs 150, 151 include hook closure portions152, 154 extending from the webs 150, 151 respectively and facing awayfrom each other. The hook closure portions 152, 154 include guidesurfaces 145, 155, which generally serve to guide the hook closureportions 152, 154 for occlusion with the hook closure portions 142, 144of the second closure element 134. The guide surfaces 145, 155 may alsohave a rounded crown surface. In addition, the hook closure portions144, 154 may be designed so that the hook closure portions 144, 154adjacent the interior of the container provide a greater resistance toopening the closure device 121. The first fastening strip 130 mayinclude wings 137 as shown in FIG. 3. The wings 137 are flexible andextend from the base 148 of the fastening strip.130. Each wing 137terminates in an end portion 143 which projects-outwardly from the wing137.

Referring to FIGS. 4-8, the slider 132 includes a housing 160 and anattaching means 162. The housing 160 may include a top portion 170, aseparator finger 172, a first side portion 174, and a second sideportion 176. The attaching means 162 includes a first flexible shoulder230, a second flexible shoulder 232, a first leg 234, a second leg 236,and a slot 180,. The separator finger 172 extends downward from the topportion 170 toward the slot 180. The slider.132 has a first end 184 anda second end 186.

The separator finger 172 extends from the second end 186 towards thefirst end 184. The separator finger 172 has a first end 190 and a secondend 192. The second end 192 is wider than the first end 190. Theseparator finger 172 has a first side portion 224 and a second sideportion 226. The side portions 224, 226 taper inwardly from the secondend 192 to the first end 190 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The separator172 has a triangular shape as shown in FIG. 7. The separator may haveother shapes, such as, trapezoids, ovals, rectangles, circular shapesand any other shape.

The top portion 170 of the slider merges into a first side portion 174and a second side portion 176. The first side portion 174 has an upperinner surface 240, a lower inner surface 198, and an outer surface 242.Similarly, the second side portion 176 has an upper inner surface 248, alower inner surface 208, and an outer surface 250. From the top portion170 the outside surfaces 242, 250 of the side portions 174, 176 angleoutwardly away from the center line 244 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Asviewed in FIG. 7, from the second end 186 the inner surfaces 240, 248 ofthe side portions 174, 176 angle inwardly toward the center line 244 246of the slider 132.

The first side portion 174 merges into the first leg 234 through thefirst flexible shoulder 230, thus forming a U shaped configuration. Thesecond side portion 176 merges into the second leg 236 through thesecond flexible shoulder 232 also creating a U shaped configuration. Thefirst leg 234 of the slider has an inner surface 204, an outer surface206, and an end surface 260. Accordingly, the second leg 236 has aninner surface 214, an outer surface 216, and an end surface 262. Thelegs 234, 236 angle inwardly toward the center line 244 and terminate atthe end surfaces 260, 262, thereby forming the slot 180. As seen inFIGS. 6 and 8, the slot 180 extends from the first end 184 to the secondend 186 of the slider 132 and has substantially the same width from thefirst end 184 to the second end 186 of the slider 132.

Another embodiment of the slider is shown in FIG. 6A. In thisembodiment, the center portion of the first leg is removed to create leg234A and leg 234B at the ends of the slider 132A. Similarly, the centerportion of the second leg is removed to create leg 236A and 236B. Thus,slots 180A, 180B are used to hold the fastening strips. In addition, theseparator 172A is longer and wider than the separator 172 in FIG. 6.Also, the separator 172A is located in approximately the center of theslider 132A and between the legs 234A, 234B and the legs 236A, 236B. Theseparator 172A also includes a ridge 173A which has the same heightalong the length of the separator 172A. The slider 132A has occlusionmembers 239A, 247A with inner surfaces 240A, 248A. The inner surfaces240A, 248A engage the sides o the fastening strips and cause thefastening strips to occlude.

In a relaxed state, the legs 234, 236 of the slider 132 aresubstantially parallel to the respective lower inner surfaces 198, 208of the side portions 174, 176. Consequently, a void volume is formedbetween each of the lower inner surfaces 198, 208 of the side portions174, 176 and the respective inner surfaces 204, 214 of the legs 234, 236thus creating an area through which the legs 234, 236 may move outwardlyaway from the center line 244 during attachment of the slider 132 onto aclosure device 121.

In accordance with a principal aspect of the present invention, a slider132 is provided with flexible shoulders 230, 232 which provide a meansof attaching the slider 132 to the fastening strips in the vertical Zaxis 106 while preventing the slider 132 from being removed in thevertical Z axis 106 thereafter. It will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that the slider 132 may be molded from any suitable plasticmaterial.

FIGS. 9-13 sequentially illustrate the attachment of a slider 132 madein accordance with the present invention onto first and second fasteningstrips 130, 131 in the vertical Z axis 106. FIG. 9 depicts occludedfastening strips 130, 131 and a slider 132 having first and second legs234, 236 in a relaxed position. The closure device 121 is between thefirst and second legs 234, 236 immediately below the slot 180. Referringto FIG. 10, the slider 132 is moved in the vertical Z axis 106 towardthe fastening strips 130, 131. The fastening strips 130, 131 engage theouter surfaces 206, 216 of the legs 234, 236 and move or deflect thelegs 234, 236 outwardly. Consequently, She first and second legs 234,236 flex outwardly in the transverse Y axis 104 toward their respectiveside portions 174, 176, and the slot 180 is widened. FIG. 11 illustratesthe fastening strips 130, 131 moving through the slot 180. The baseportions 148, 138 of the first and second fastening strips 130, 131 areinterposed between the legs 234, 236 and further move or deflect thelegs 234, 236 outwardly in the transverse Y axis 104 toward theirrespective side portions 174, 176.

As the closure device 121 continues through the slot 180 as shown inFIG. 12, the fastening strips 130, 131 are brought into contact with theseparator finger 172. More particularly, the web 140 of the secondfastening strip 131 is forced against the separator finger 172 while thebase portions 148, 138 of the first and second fastening strips 130, 131remain interposed between the legs 234, 236.

As seen in FIG. 13, upon further movement of the fastening strips 130,131 toward the slider 132 in the vertical Z axis 106, the fasteningstrips 130, 131 project through the legs 234, 236, and the legs 234, 236retract back to their relaxed position. In the relaxed position, thelegs 234, 236 are substantially parallel to the corresponding innersurfaces 198, 208 of the side portions 174, 176. Likewise, the width ofthe slot 180 returns to its relaxed position width. With respect to thefastening strips 130, 131, the separator finger 172 is forced between,or deoccludes, the outer webs 140, 150 of the fastening strips 130, 131.The inner webs 141, 151 may remain occluded.

FIG. 13 represents the attached position of the slider 132 on fasteningstrips 130, 131 at the opening end. Once the legs 234, 236 return totheir relaxed position, the fastening strips 130, 131 no longer fitthrough the slot 180. As an aspect of the present invention, the legs234, 236 effectuate attachment of the slider 132 onto the fasteningstrips 130, 131 in the vertical Z axis 106 while preventing removal ofthe slider 132 from the fastening strips 130, 131 in the vertical Z axis106 after the slider 132 has been attached to the fastening strips 130,131. In the event removal of the slider 132 in the vertical Z axis 106is attempted, the legs 234, 236 will provide resistance against theslider's 132 removal. The legs 234, 236 retain the slider 132 on thefastening strips 130, 131 by resisting vertical Z axis 106 movement ofthe fastening strips 130, 131 through the slot 180. More specifically,the legs 234, 236 are angled upwardly and inwardly so that duringinsertion of the slider 132 onto the fastening strips 130, 131 the legsmove or deflect outwardly in the transverse Y axis 104 to increase thewidth of the slot 180 and permit the passage of the fastening strips130, 131. Conversely, in attempting to remove the slider 132 from thefastening strips 130, 131, the fastening strips 130, 131 contact the endportions 260, 262 of the legs 234, 236 and move or deflect the legs 234,236 inwardly in the transverse Y axis 104. Thus, the width of the slot180 is reduced until the legs 234, 236 are ultimately forced against oneanother through the sidewalls 122, 123. The rigidity of the legs 234,236 and shoulders 230, 232 will resist inward movement of the legs 234,236 beyond the point where the legs engage each other through thesidewalls 122, 123. As a result, the slider 132 may only be removed fromthe fastening strips 130, 131 in the vertical Z axis 106 by eithertearing through the fastening strips 130, 131 or breaking and/or bydeforming the legs 234, 236 of the slider 132.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the presetinvention may be embodied in a variety of configurations. The resistancethe flexible shoulders 230, 232 and legs 234, 236 provide duringattachment onto and removal from the fastening strips 130, 131 may beaffected by varying the properties of the slider design as shown in FIG.14. Such properties include: shoulder thickness 280; shoulder radius282; leg angle 284; leg length 286; leg thickness 288; the materialcomposition 290 of the shoulder and leg; and the angle 292 of the endportions 260, 262. For example, if the shoulder thickness 280 isreduced, then the legs 234, 236 will move or deflect with less force. Asanother example, if the leg length 286 is reduced, then the legs 234,236 will move of deflect with more force. In addition, the angle 292 ofthe end portions 260, 262 may have different values. As shown in FIG.14, the angle 292 between end portion 260 and inner surface 214 isapproximately 45°. In another example, the angle 292 may be 90°.Furthermore, the angle 292 of surfaces 260, 262 may be the same angle orthe angle of surface 260 may be at a different angle than the angle ofsurface 262.

FIG. 15 illustrates a second embodiment of a slider 332 made inaccordance with the present invention. As compared with the firstembodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the second embodiment has a first andsecond side portion 374, 376 with substantially parallel outsidesurfaces 442, 450. As noted above, the dimensions of the shoulders 430,432 and legs 434, 436 affect the functionality of the slider 332 duringattachment onto and attempted removal from the fastening strips. Withrespect to the shoulders 430, 432, the shoulder thickness 480 of thesecond embodiment is less than the shoulder thickness 280 in the firstembodiment. In addition, the inner radius 482 of the flexible shoulders430, 432 is greater than that of the radius 282 of the first embodiment.Consequently, the shoulders of second embodiment will flex more easilythan the shoulders of the first embodiment during attachment of theslider 332 onto the fastening strips. Furthermore, the end portions 460,462 of the legs 434, 436 extend vertically and define the slot 380.Thus, as compared to the first embodiment the end portions 460, 462provide a larger contact surface area that flexibly resists the passageof the fastening strips through the legs 434, 436 during attachment ofthe slider 332 onto the fastening strips in the vertical Z axis 306 andduring the attempted removal of the slider 332 from the fastening stripsin the vertical Z axis 306.

FIG. 16 illustrates a third embodiment of a slider 532 made inaccordance with the present invention. As with the second embodiment,the third embodiment also has first and second side portions 574, 576with substantially parallel outside surfaces 442, 450. However, thelower outer surfaces 670, 672 of the side portions 574, 576 taperinwardly before merging into the flexible shoulders 630, 632. The lowerinner surfaces 598, 608 of the side portions 574, 576 are substantiallyvertical and parallel. The shoulder thickness 680 of the thirdembodiment is similar to that of the second embodiment. However, theshoulder radius 680 is much smaller than both the first and secondembodiments. The legs 634, 636 angle inwardly and, before touching oneanother, extend vertically thereby defining the slot 580. As compared tothe first embodiment the vertical portion of the legs 634, 636 provide alarger contact surface area that flexibly resists the passage of thefastening strips through the legs 634, 636 during attachment of theslider 532 onto the fastening strips in the vertical Z axis 506 and theattempted removal of the slider 332 from the fastening strips in thevertical Z axis 506.

FIG. 17 depicts a fourth embodiment of a slider 732 made in accordancewith the present invention. The fourth embodiment is similar to thefirst embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 except that the fourthembodiment has first and second side portions 774, 776 withsubstantially parallel outside surfaces 842, 850 and end portions 860,862 of the legs 834, 836 extending vertically and defining the slot 780.Further, although the legs 774, 776 project inwardly, the angle ofprojection 884 is reduced. Reducing the angle of projection 884 of thelegs 834, 836 may reduce the length 886 of the legs 834, 836 as well.The reduced length 886 of the legs 834, 836 will result in greater legrigidity. Furthermore, as compared to the first embodiment, the endportions 860, 862 of the fourth embodiment provide a larger contactsurface area that flexibly resists the passage of the fastening stripsthrough the legs 834, 836 during attachment of the slider 732 onto thefastening strips in the vertical Z axis 706 and the attempted removal ofthe slider 732 from the fastening strips in the vertical Z axis 706.

FIG. 18 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a slider 932 made inaccordance with the present invention. The fifth embodiment has the sameconfiguration as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 14. The fifthembodiment, however, represents a slider 932 co-extruded from twoseparate materials, a first material 1090 and a second material 1091.The shoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034, 1036 of the slider 932 aremolded of the second material 1091. The side 974, 976 and top 970portions of the slider 932 are molded of the first material 1090. Thetwo materials 1090, 1091 utilized have different flexingcharacteristics. For example, the shoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034,1036 may be molded of the second material 1091 which is more rigid thanthe first material 1090 which is used for the side portions 974, 976 andtop portions 970. Alternatively, the shoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034,1036 may be molded of a second material 1091 which is less rigid thanthe first material 1090 which is used for the side portions 974, 976 andtop portion 970. The variation of the material composition of theshoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034, 1036 may vary the flexibleresistance provided by the shoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034, 1036during attachment of the slider 932 onto the fastening strips in thevertical Z axis 906 and the attempted removal of the slider 932 from thefastening strips in the vertical Z axis 906. The co-extrusion of theslider 932 with separate materials 1050, 1052 may reduce manufacturingcosts if, for instance, the material used to achieve the desiredflexibility of the shoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034, 1036 is morecostly than that used for the side portions 974, 976 and top portion970. Consequently, the more expensive material may then be limited tothe shoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034, 1036 while the less expensivematerial may be used for the remainder of the slider housing 960. Inother embodiments, the side portions could be made of a first material,the shoulders made of a second material, and the legs made of the firstmaterial or a third material.

FIG. 19 depicts a sixth embodiment of a slider 1132 made in accordancewith the present invention. The sixth embodiment is similar to the firstembodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 except the leg width 1288 is reduced.The decreased leg width 1240 will increase the flexibility of the legsand reduce the resistance provided by the legs 1234, 1236 duringattachment of the slider 1132 onto and the attempted removal of theslider 1132 from the fastening strips in the vertical Z axis 1106.

FIG. 20 illustrates a seventh embodiment of a slider 1332 made inaccordance with the present invention. The slider 1332 is shown attachedto the fastening strips 1430, 1431. The seventh embodiment is similar tothe first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the second leg1436 of the slider 1332 is longer than the first leg 1434. The longersecond leg 1436 extends up to the second fastening strip 1431 and moreparticularly engages the inner web 1441 of the second fastening strip1431. In addition, the first leg 1434 engages the wing 1437 of the firstfastening strip 1430. Thus, the fastening strips 1430, 1431 are heldwithin the slider 1332.

FIG. 21 illustrates an eighth embodiment of a slider 1532 made inaccordance with the present invention. The slider 1532 is similar to thefirst embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 except that angle of projection1684 of the legs 1634, 1636 is reduced. Further, reducing the angle ofprojection 1684 of the legs 1534, 1536 reduces the length 1686 of thelegs 1634, 1636 as well. The slider 1532 is designed to work inconjunction with sidewalls 1522 having protrusions 1528 such that thelegs 1634, 1636 engage the protrusions 1528 rather than the actualfastening strips 1530, 1531. The protrusions 1528 serve to hold thefastening strips 1530, 1531 within the slider 1532. Further, the reducedlength 1686 of the legs 1634, 1636 will result in greater leg rigidity.In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 21A, the protrusions 1528A arelocated on the fastening strips and the legs engage the protrusions tohold the fastening strips within the slider 1532A.

FIG. 22 illustrates a ninth embodiment of a slider 1732 made inaccordance with the present invention. The ninth embodiment is similarto the first embodiment except that second side portion 1776 terminatesat the lower end of the upper inner surface 1848. The second shoulder1832 is relatively rigid and extends inwardly in a horizontal directionfrom the second side portion 1776. The first leg 1834 and the secondshoulder define a slot 1780. While the second shoulder 1832 aids inmaintaining proper orientation of a closure device within the slider1732, only the first shoulder 1830 and first leg 1834 provideflexibility during attachment of the slider 1732 onto the fasteningstrips in the vertical Z axis 1706 and resistance during attemptedremoval of the slider 1732 from the fastening strips in the vertical Zaxis 1706. In another embodiment, the second shoulder 1832 is eliminatedand the first leg 1834 is lengthened to extend closer to the second sideportion 1776 to define a slot 1780. In addition, the second side portion1776 may be lengthened.

The slider of the present invention may incorporate severalconfigurations. However, the slider should facilitate attachment of theslider onto the fastening strips in the vertical Z axis and prevent theremoval of the slider from the fastening strips in the vertical Z axis.Furthermore, the slider facilitates proper orientation of the fasteningstrips within the slider during operation. Proper orientation of thefastening strips within the slider is usually accomplished by providinglegs which support the respective fastening strips. The design of theslider is further dictated by the configuration of fastening stripsutilized.

FIGS. 23-25 illustrate interlocking fastening strips of variousconfigurations and the corresponding slider design. As shown in FIG. 23,the interlocking fastening strips may comprise shear action or Z-axisclosure strips. Shear action closure strips include a first fasteningstrip 1930 and a complementary second fastening strip 1931 which engageupon moving the slider 1932 in the occlusion direction.

In addition, the interlocking fastening strips may alternativelycomprise arrowhead-type closure strips, as shown in FIG. 24. Asdescribed more fully in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,007,142 and 5,020,194,arrowhead-type closure strips typically include a first fastening strip2130 with an arrowhead-shaped engagement portion 2136, and an associatedsecond fastening strip 2131 with a cup-shaped engagement portion 2137.In use, the first fastening strip 2130 and the second fastening strip2131 are selectively occluded and deoccluded by moving the slider 2132in the appropriate direction.

The interlocking fastening strips may optionally comprise rolling actionclosure strips, as shown, for example, in FIG. 25. As described ingreater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, rolling action closure stripsinclude first and second elements 2330 and 2331. The first and secondelements 2330, 2331 may be deoccluded by using a separator 2333. In use,the elements 2330 and 2331 are selectively occluded and deoccluded bymoving the slider 2332 in the appropriate direction.

Although several interlocking fastening strip embodiments have beenspecifically described and illustrated herein, it will be readilyappreciated by those skilled in the art that other kinds, types, orforms of fastening strips may alternatively be used without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the present invention.

The interlocking fastening strips of the present invention may bemanufactured by extrusion through a die, although the die should be madesomewhat larger than the desired final dimensions of the fasteningstrips, inasmuch as shrinkage of the extruded fastening strips is likelyupon cooling. In addition, the fastening strips should be manufacturedto have approximately uniform cross-sections. This not only simplifiesthe manufacturing of a closure device, but also contributes to thephysical flexibility of the closure device.

Generally, the interlocking fastening strips of the present inventionmay be formed from any suitable thermoplastic material including, forexample, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or the like, or from acombination thereof. Thus, resins or mixtures of resins such as highdensity polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, and low densitypolyethylene may be employed to prepare the interlocking fasteningstrips of the present invention. In most instances, the fastening stripsare preferably made from low density polyethylene. The selection of theappropriate thermoplastic material, however, is related to theparticular design of the fastening strips, the Young's Modulus of thethermoplastic material, and the desired elasticity and flexibility ofthe strips.

When the fastening strips of the present invention are used in asealable bag, the fastening strips and the films that form the body ofthe bag may be conveniently manufactured from heat sealable material. Inthis way, the bag may be economically formed by using an aforementionedthermoplastic material and by heat sealing the fastening strips to thebag. In most instances, the bag is preferably made from a mixture ofhigh pressure, low density polyethylene and linear, low densitypolyethylene.

The fastening strips of the present invention may be manufactured byextrusion or other known methods. For example, the closure device may bemanufactured as individual fastening strips for later attachment to thebag or may be manufactured integrally with the bag. In addition, thefastening strips may be manufactured with or without flange portions onone or both of the fastening strips depending upon the intended use ofthe closure device or expected additional manufacturing operations.

Generally, the closure device of the present invention can-bemanufactured in a variety of forms to suit the intended use. Inpracticing the present invention, the closure device may be integrallyformed on the opposing side walls of the container or bag, or connectedto the container by the use of any of many known methods. For example, athermoelectric device may be applied to a film in contact with theflange portion of the fastening strips or the thermoelectric device maybe applied to a film in contact with the base portion of fasteningstrips having no flange portion, to cause a transfer of heat through thefilm to produce melting at the interface of the film and a flangeportion or base portion of the fastening strips. Suitable thermoelectricdevices include heated rotary discs, traveling heater bands,resistance-heated slide wires, and the like. The connection between thefilm and the fastening strips may also be established by the use of hotmelt adhesives, hot jets of air to the interface, ultrasonic heating, orother known methods. The bonding of the fastening strips to the filmstock may be carried out either before or after the film is U-folded toform the bag. In any event, such bonding is done prior to side sealingthe bag at the edges by conventional thermal cutting. In addition, thefirst and second fastening strips may be positioned on opposite sides ofthe film. Such an embodiment would be suited for wrapping an object or acollection of objects such as wires. The first and second fasteningstrips should usually be positioned on the film in a generally parallelrelationship with respect to each other, although this will depend onthe intended use.

The slider may be multiple parts and snapped together. In addition, theslider may be made from multiple parts and fused or welded together. Theslider may also be a one piece construction. The slider can be colored,opaque or clear. The slider may be injection molded or made by any othermethod. The slider may be molded from any suitable plastic material,such as, nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, acetal, toughened acetal,polyketone, polybutylene terrephthalate, high density polyethylene,polycarbonate or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).

In summary, the present invention provides a closure device thatovercomes many of the drawbacks inherent in the prior art. Morespecifically, the present invention affords a closure device withinterlocking fastening strips, a slider which facilitates the occlusionand deocclusion of the fastening strips, and a flexibly resistantattaching means which facilitates attachment of the slider onto thefastening strips in the vertical Z axis and prevents the removal of theslider from the fastening strips in the vertical Z axis thereafter.

From the foregoing it will be understood that modifications andvariations may be effectuated to the disclosed structures, particularlyin light of the foregoing teachings, without departing from the scope orspirit of the present invention. As such, no limitation with respect tothe specific embodiments described and illustrated herein is intended orshould be inferred. Indeed, the following claims are intended to coverall modifications and variations that fall within the scope and spiritof the present invention. In addition, all references and copendingapplications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

What is claimed is:
 1. A closure device comprising: a first fasteningstrip; a second fastening strip; and a slider adapted to be slidablydisposed on said fastening strips and facilitating the occlusion of saidfastening strips when moved towards a first end thereof and facilitatingthe deocclusion of said fastening strips when moved towards a second endthereof, said fastening strips and said slider having a longitudinal Xaxis and a transverse Y axis, said transverse Y axis being perpendicularto said longitudinal X axis, said fastening strips and said sliderhaving a vertical Z axis, said vertical Z axis being perpendicular tosaid longitudinal X axis, said vertical Z axis being perpendicular tosaid transverse Y axis, said slider comprising a housing having a topportion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, said firstside portion having a first end and a second end, said second sideportion having a first end and a second end, said top portion beingoperably connected to said first end of said first side portion and saidfirst end of said second side portion, said slider having a firstflexible shoulder facilitating the attachment of said slider onto saidfastening strips in said vertical Z axis and preventing removal of saidslider from said fastening strips in the vertical Z axis thereafter,said first flexible shoulder being operably connected to said second endof said first side portion wherein said first flexible shoulder isoperably connected to a first slider leg.
 2. The invention as in claim1, wherein said second end of said second side portion is operablyconnected to a rigid shoulder.
 3. The invention as in claim 1, whereinsaid fastening strips comprise rolling action fastening strips.
 4. Theinvention as in claim 1, wherein said slider leg projects upwardly andinwardly from said flexible shoulder.
 5. The invention as in claim 4,wherein said slider leg and said rigid shoulder defme a slot throughwhich said fastening strips pass during attachment of said slider ontosaid fastening strips in the vertical Z axis.
 6. The invention as inclaim 1, wherein said flexible shoulder comprises an inner surface andan outer surface.
 7. The invention as in claim 6, wherein said innersurface corn a first radius and said outer surface comprises a secondradius.
 8. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said slider legcomprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end surface.
 9. Theinvention as in claim 8, wherein said inner surface and said outersurface are substantially parallel.
 10. The invention as in claim 2,wherein said rigid shoulder projects inwardly from said second sideportion.
 11. The invention as in claim 9, wherein said rigid shoulder issubstantially perpendicular to said second side portion.
 12. Theinvention as in claim 1, wherein said second end of said second sideportion is operably connected to a second flexible shoulder.
 13. Theinvention as in claim 12, wherein said second flexible shoulders isoperably connected to a second slider leg.
 14. The invention as in claim13, wherein said slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from saidflexible shoulders.
 15. The invention as in claim 14, wherein said legsdefine a slot through which said fastening strips pass during attachmentof said slider onto said fastening strips in the vertical Z axis. 16.The invention as in claim 12, wherein each said flexible shouldercomprises an inner surface and an outer surface.
 17. The invention as inclaim 16, wherein said inner surface comprises a first radius and saidouter surface comprises a second radius.
 18. The invention as in claim13, wherein said each slider leg comprises an inner surface, an outersurface, and an end surface.
 19. The invention as in claim 18, whereinsaid inner surface and said outer surface are substantially parallel.20. The invention as in claim 18, wherein said inner surface and saidouter surface taper toward said end portion.
 21. The invention as inclaim 18, wherein said end surfaces are substantially parallel anddefine said slot.
 22. The invention as in claim 18, wherein said endsurfaces are in substantially the same plane.
 23. The invention as inclaim 13, wherein each said slider leg comprises a first inner surface,a second inner surface, a first outer surface, a second outer surface,and an end surface, said first inner surface angles upwardly andinwardly from said flexible shoulder, said second inner surface issubstantially vertical, said first outer surface angles upwardly andinwardly and is substantially parallel to said first inner surface, saidsecond outer surface is substantially vertical and substantiallyparallel to said second inner surface, said second outer surfaces ofslider legs define a slot.
 24. The invention as in claim 1, wherein saidslider leg operably engages said first fastening strip.
 25. Theinvention as in claim 1, wherein said housing is constructed of a firstmaterial and said flexible shoulder is constructed of a second material.26. The invention as in claim 25, wherein said first material is morerigid than said second material.
 27. The invention as in claim 25,wherein said second material is more rigid than said first material. 28.The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fastening strips compriseshear action fastening strips.
 29. The invention as in claim 1, whereinsaid fastening strips comprise U-channel type fastening strips.
 30. Theinvention as in claim 1, wherein said fastening strips comprisearrowhead type fastening strips.
 31. A slider adapted to be slidablydisposed on fastening strips and facilitating the occlusion of saidfastening strips when moved towards a first end thereof and facilitatingthe deocclusion of said fastening strips when moved towards a second endthereof, said slider comprising: a longitudinal X axis and a transverseY axis, said transverse Y axis being perpendicular to said longitudinalX axis, said fastening strips and said slider having a vertical Z axis,said vertical Z axis being perpendicular to said longitudinal X axis,said vertical Z axis being perpendicular to said transverse Y axis, saidslider comprising a housing having a top portion, a first side portion,and a second side portion, said first side portion having a first endand a second end, said second side portion having a first end and asecond end, said top portion being operably connected to said first endof said first side portion and said first end of said second sideportion, said slider having a first flexible shoulder facilitating theattachment of said slider onto said fastening strips in said vertical Zaxis and preventing removal of said slider from said fastening strips inthe vertical Z axis thereafter, said first flexible shoulder beingoperably connected to said second end of said first side portion, andwherein said first flexible shoulder is operably connected to a firstslider leg.
 32. The invention as in claim 31, wherein said slider legoperably engages said first fastening strip.
 33. The invention as inclaim 31, wherein said second end of said second side portion isoperably connected to a rigid shoulder.
 34. The invention as in claim31, wherein said housing is constructed of a first material and saidflexible shoulder is constructed of a second material.
 35. The inventionas in claim 34, wherein said first material is more rigid than saidsecond material.
 36. The invention as in claim 34, wherein said secondmaterial is more rigid than said first material.
 37. The invention as inclaim 31, wherein said flexible shoulder comprises an inner surface andan outer surface.
 38. The invention as in claim 37, wherein said innersurface comprises a first radius and said outer surface comprises asecond radius.
 39. The invention as in claim 31, wherein said slider legcomprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end surface. 40.The invention as in claim 39, wherein said inner surface and said outersurface are substantially parallel.
 41. The invention as in claim 33,wherein said rigid shoulder projects inwardly from said second sideportion.
 42. The invention as in claim 40, wherein said rigid shoulderis substantially perpendicular to said second side portion.
 43. Theinvention as in claim 31, wherein said second end of said second sideportion is operably connected to a second flexible shoulder.
 44. Theinvention as in claim 43, wherein said second flexible shoulders isoperably connected to a second slider leg.
 45. The invention as in claim44, wherein said slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from saidflexible shoulders.
 46. The invention as in claim 45, wherein said legsdefine a slot though which said fastening strips pass during attachmentof said slider onto said fastening strips in the vertical Z axis. 47.The invention as in claim 43, wherein each said flexible shouldercomprises an inner surface and an outer surface.
 48. The invention as inclaim 47, wherein said inner surface comprises a first radius and saidouter surface comprises a second radius.
 49. The invention as in claim44, wherein said each slider leg comprises an inner surface, an outersurface, and an end surface.
 50. The invention as in claim 49, whereinsaid inner surface and said outer surface are substantially parallel.51. The invention as in claim 49, wherein said inner surface and saidouter surface taper toward said end portion.
 52. The invention as inclaim 49, wherein said end surfaces are substantially parallel anddefine said slot.
 53. The invention as in claim 49, wherein said endsurfaces are in substantially the same plane.
 54. The invention as inclaim 44, wherein each said slider leg comprises a first inner surface,a second inner surface, a first outer surface, a second outer surfaceand an end surface, said first inner surface angles upwardly andinwardly from said flexible shoulder, said second inner surface issubstantially vertical, said first outer surface angles upwardly andinwardly and is substantially parallel to said first inner surface, saidsecond outer surface is substantially vertical and substantiallyparallel to said second inner surface, said second outer surfaces ofslider legs define a slot.
 55. The invention as in claim 31, whereinsaid slider leg projects upwardly and inwardly from said flexibleshoulder.
 56. The invention as in claim 55, wherein said slider leg andsaid rigid shoulder define a lot through which said fastening stripspass during attachment of said slider onto said fastening strips in thevertical Z axis.
 57. A container comprising: first and second sidewalls,said first and second sidewalls including mating first and secondfastening strips respectively, said first and second fastening shipscomprising a closure device arranged to be interlocked over apredetermined length, a slider adapted to be slidably disposed on saidfastening strips and facilitating the occlusion of said fastening stripswhen moved towards a first end thereof and facilitating the deocclusionof said fastening strips when moved towards a second end thereof, saidfastening strips and said slider having a longitudinal X axis and atransverse Y axis, said transverse Y axis being perpendicular to saidlongitudinal X axis, said fastening strips and said slider having avertical Z axis, said vertical Z axis being perpendicular to saidlongitudinal X axis, said vertical Z axis being perpendicular to saidtransverse Y axis, said slider comprising a housing having a topportion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, said firstside portion having a first end and a second end, said second sideportion having a first end and a second end, said top portion beingoperably connected to said first end of said first side portion and saidfirst end of said second side portion, said slider having a firstflexible shoulder facilitating the attachment of said slider onto saidfastening strips in said vertical Z axis and preventing removal of saidslider from said fastening strips in the vertical Z axis thereafter,said first flexible shoulder being operably connected to said second endof said first side portion and wherein said first flexible shoulder isoperably connected to a first slider leg.
 58. The invention as in claim57, wherein said fastening strips comprise U-channel type fasteningstrips.
 59. The invention as in claim 57, wherein said fastening stripscomprise rolling action fastening strips.
 60. The invention as in claim57, wherein said slider leg operably engages said first fastening strip.61. The invention as in claim 57, wherein said first sidewall is betweensaid slider leg and said first fastening strip.
 62. The invention as inclaim 57, wherein said first sidewall has a protrusion and said sliderleg engages said protrusion.
 63. The invention as in claim 57, whereinsaid second end of said second side portion is operably connected to arigid shoulder.
 64. The invention as in claim 57, wherein said fasteningstrips comprise arrowhead type fastening strips.
 65. The invention as inclaim 57, wherein said slider leg projects upwardly and inwardly fromsaid flexible shoulder.
 66. The invention as in claim 65, wherein saidslider leg and said rigid shoulder define a slot through which saidfastening strips pass during attachment of said slider onto saidfastening strips in the vertical Z axis.
 67. The invention as in claim57, wherein said flexible shoulder comprises an inner surface and anouter surface.
 68. The invention as in claim 67, wherein said innersurface comprises a first radius and said outer surface comprises asecond radius.
 69. The invention as in claim 57, wherein said slider legcomprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end surface. 70.The invention as in claim 69, wherein said inner surface and said outersurface are substantially parallel.
 71. The invention as in claim 63,wherein said rigid shoulder projects inwardly from said second sideportion.
 72. The invention as in claim 70, wherein said rigid shoulderis substantially perpendicular to said second side portion.
 73. Theinvention as in claim 57, wherein said second end of said second sideportion is operably connected to a second flexible shoulder.
 74. Theinvention as in claim 73, wherein said second flexible shoulders isoperably connected to a second slider leg.
 75. The invention as in claim74, wherein said slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from saidflexible shoulders.
 76. The invention as in claim 75, wherein said legsdefine a slot through which said fastening strips pass during attachmentof said slider onto said fastening strips in the vertical Z axis. 77.The invention as in claim 73, wherein each said flexible shouldercomprises an inner surface and an outer surface.
 78. The invention as inclaim 77, wherein said inner surface comprises a first radius and saidouter surface comprises a second radius.
 79. The invention as in claim74, wherein said each slider leg comprises an inner surface, an outersurface, and an end surface.
 80. The invention as in claim 79, whereinsaid inner surface and said outer surface arm substantially parallel.81. The invention as in claim 79, wherein said inner surface and saidouter surface taper toward said end portion.
 82. The invention as inclaim 79, wherein said end surfaces are substantially parallel anddefine said slot.
 83. The invention as in claim 79, wherein said endsurfaces are in substantially the same plane.
 84. The invention as inclaim 74, wherein each said slider leg comprises a first inner surface,a second inner surface, a first outer surface, a second outer surface,and an end surface, said first inner surface angles upwardly andinwardly from said flexible shoulder, said second inner surface issubstantially vertical, said first outer surface angles upwardly andinwardly and is substantially parallel to said first inner surface, saidsecond outer surface is substantially vertical and substantiallyparallel to said second inner surface, said second outer surfaces ofslider legs define a slot.
 85. The invention as in claim 57, whereinsaid slider leg operably engages said first fastening strip.
 86. Theinvention as in claim 57, wherein said housing is constructed of a firstmaterial and said flexible shoulder is constructed of a second material.87. The invention as in claim 86, wherein said first material is morerigid than said second material.
 88. The invention as in claim 86,wherein said second material is more rigid than said first material. 89.The invention as in claim 57, wherein said fastening strips compriseshear action fastening strips.
 90. A method of assembling a slider ontoa closure device comprising the steps of: providing a first fasteningstrip, providing a second fastening strip, providing a slider adapted tobe slidably disposed on said fastening strips and facilitating theocclusion of said fastening strips when moved towards a first endthereof and facilitating the deocclusion of said fastening strips whenmoved towards a second end thereof, said fastening strips and saidslider having a longitudinal X axis and a transverse Y axis, saidtransverse Y axis being perpendicular to said longitudinal X axis, saidfastening strips and said slider having a vertical Z axis, said verticalZ axis being perpendicular to said longitudinal X axis, said vertical Zaxis being perpendicular to said transverse Y axis, said slidercomprising a housing having a top portion, a first side portion, and asecond side portion, said first side portion having a first end and asecond end, said second side portion having a first end and a secondend, said top portion being operably connected to said first end of saidfirst side portion and said first end of said second side portion, saidslider having a flexible shoulder facilitating the attachment of saidslider onto said fastening strips in said vertical Z axis and preventingremoval of said slider from said fastening strips in the vertical Z axisthereafter, said flexible shoulder being operably connected to saidsecond end of said first side portion; urging said slider over saidfastening strips in said vertical Z axis whereby said flexible shoulderdeflects to permit passage of said fastening strips into said housing,once said fastening strips have passed into said housing, said flexibleshoulder retracting back to its original position thus preventingremoval of said slider from said fastening strips in the vertical Z axisthereafter.
 91. The invention as in claim 90, wherein said fasteningstrips comprise U-channel type fastening strips.
 92. The invention as inclaim 90, wherein said fastening strips comprise arrowhead typefastening strips.
 93. The invention as in claim 90, wherein saidfastening strips comprise rolling action fastening strips.
 94. Theinvention as in claim 90, wherein said second end of said second sideportion is operably connected to a rigid shoulder.
 95. The invention asin claim 94, wherein said flexible shoulder is operably connected to aslider leg.
 96. The invention as in claim 95, wherein said slider legprojects upwardly and inwardly from said flexible shoulder.
 97. Theinvention as in claim 96, wherein said slider leg and said rigidshoulder define a slot through which said fastening strips pass duringattachment of said slider onto said fastening strips in the vertical Zaxis.
 98. The invention as in claim 90, wherein said flexible shouldercomprises an inner surface and an outer surface.
 99. The invention as inclaim 98, wherein said inner surface comprises a first radius and saidouter surface comprises a second radius.
 100. The invention as in claim95, wherein said slider leg comprises an inner surface, an outersurface, and an end surface.
 101. The invention as in claim 100, whereinsaid inner surface and said outer surface are substantially parallel.102. The invention as in claim 94, wherein said rigid shoulder projectsinwardly from said second side portion.
 103. The invention as in claim101, wherein said rigid shoulder is substantially perpendicular to saidsecond side portion.
 104. The invention as in claim 90, wherein saidsecond end of said second side portion is operably connected to aflexible shoulder.
 105. The invention as in claim 104, wherein each ofsaid flexible shoulders is operably connected to a slider leg.
 106. Theinvention as in claim 105, wherein said slider legs project upwardly andinwardly from said flexible shoulders.
 107. The invention as in claim106, wherein said legs define a slot through which said fastening stripspass during attachment of said slider onto said fastening strips in thevertical Z axis.
 108. The invention as in claim 104, wherein each saidflexible shoulder comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. 109.The invention as in claim 108, wherein said inner surface comprises afirst radius and said outer surface comprises a second radius.
 110. Theinvention as in claim 105, wherein said each slider leg comprises aninner surface, an outer surface, and an end surface.
 111. The inventionas in claim 110, wherein said inner surface and said outer surface aresubstantially parallel.
 112. The invention as in claim 110, wherein saidinner surface and said outer surface taper toward said end portion. 113.The invention as in claim 110, wherein said end surfaces aresubstantially parallel and define said slot.
 114. The invention as inclaim 110, wherein said end surfaces are in substantially the sameplane.
 115. The invention as in claim 105, wherein each said slider legcomprises a first inner surface, a second inner surface, a first outersurface, a second outer surface, and an end surface, said first innersurface angles upwardly and inwardly from said flexible shoulder, saidsecond inner surface is substantially vertical said first outer surfaceangles upwardly and inwardly and is substantially parallel to said firstinner surface, said second outer surface is substantially vertical andsubstantially parallel to said second inner surface, said second outersurfaces of slider legs define a slot.
 116. The invention as in claim95, wherein said slider leg operably engages said first fastening strip.117. The invention as in claim 90, wherein said housing is constructedof a first material and said flexible shoulder is constructed of asecond material.
 118. The invention as in claim 117, wherein said firstmaterial is more rigid than said second material.
 119. The invention asin claim 117, wherein said second material is more rigid than said firstmaterial.
 120. The invention as in claim 90, wherein said fasteningstrips comprise shear action fastening strips.
 121. The invention as inclaim 95, wherein said slider leg operably engages said first fasteningstrip.
 122. The invention as in claim 95, wherein said first sidewall isbetween said slider leg and said first fastening strip.
 123. Theinvention as in claim 95, wherein said first sidewall has a protrusionand said slider leg engages said protrusion.